An Integrated Approach to the Reduction of Reactive Power Losses in Radial Distribution Network

Distribution system forms an important part of the electrical power system
connecting high voltage transmission lines to low voltage consumers through
feeders, distributors and service mains. Losses will occur in the distribution line due
to the resistance and reactance of the cables. Consequently, this will eventually lead
into voltage instability of the system. Therefore, reduction of reactive power is
required to compensate the losses.
The objective of this project is to compensate reactive power with appropriate
methods. There are basically two commonly usedmethods: network reconfiguration
and capacitor insertion. The scope of study would be on the capacitor insertion in
radial distribution network. An existing algorithm will be studied and an integrated
approach to the reduction ofreactive power losses will be proposed.
This report will cover the progress and all findings in the two-semester final year
project (FYP). This report consists of 6 main chapters where the first chapter serves
as the introduction and background of the project. The next chapter is basically the
literature review on all the relevant information. Methodology outlines the process
flow as well as tools required for the project. The algorithm for single and multiple
capacitor insertion will be introduced in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 will mainly cover on
the results from the load flow simulation and results from single and multiple
capacitors placement. Besides, comparison will be done between single and multiple
capacitors as well as comparisons between the proposed method with the existing
method. The conclusion of this report shall summarize the findings and
recommendations for future project work.